Personalized Digital Animation Kit

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of a personal animation kit is described. Embodiments of the personal animation kit include a digital stylus, a digital stamper, a carrying case, and an application for execution by a computing device. A user can animate a photo using the personal animation kit based on identifying features on a personal image that are then animated and/or enhanced. In other embodiments, the personal animation kit application is used to assign an armature to a personal image, assign a corresponding silhouette to the armature, and extract the portion of the personal image enclosed by the silhouette for animation. In some embodiments, the cut-out portion of the personal image is animated in a particular animation environment, such as a particular simulated, animated background. In further embodiments, the selected portion of the personal image may be automatically animated in response to selection and assignment of an armature and silhouette.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/788,349, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Personalized Digital Animation and Digital Collage Creation Kit,” having Attorney Docket No. 178958, and is related by subject matter to concurrently filed U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Digital Collage Creation Kit,” having attorney Docket No. HALC.204554, the entirety of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below, not this summary. A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention are provided here for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosure, and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In brief and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, a personal animation kit for animating personal photos within virtual scenes. In embodiments, the personal animation kit includes a digital stylus, a digital stamper, a carrying case, and an application for execution by a computing device. A user can take a photo of a person, such as the user or another person, and animate the image using the personal animation kit. In embodiments, the application brings the static photo to life, as the photo may be enhanced with animation features such as jumping, running, doing flips or karate, and the like. The personal animation kit may be used to create animation movies featuring the animated image of a person. In some embodiments, the personal animation kit provides a background designing feature for designing a customized background. In other embodiments, the personal animation kit provides template backgrounds, such as a basketball court. The digital stamper may be used to generate additional animated images that a user may create and/or select from a menu of included options, such as dribbling a basketball. Enhanced images created with the personal animation kit may be saved, emailed, or printed. The digital tools in the personal animation kit may be stored in a hard-shell storage case designed to clip onto a computing device, such as an iPad®.

Embodiments of the invention also include a digital collage creation kit for, among other things, enhancing or transforming photos into digital collages. The digital collage creation kit may include, in embodiments, a digital photo cutter, a digital stamper, a digital transforming tool, and a carrying case, such as a hard-shell carrying case or a soft pouch. A digital photo may be uploaded into the application where the digital photo cutter may then be used to “cut” away unwanted portions of the photo. In embodiments, the digital stamper then allows a user to add animated images and phrases to the image, while the digital transforming tool lets the user create photo-morphing effects like stretching and melting. A user may generate a customized background to incorporate into the collage, or may select from a variety of template backgrounds provided in the application, such as a skateboarding park. A digital collage made with the kit may be displayed in a digital gallery, distributed by emailing, or shared by printing out the display screen. A user may also store the digital tools for the digital collage creation kit in a hard-shell storage case designed to clip onto a computing device, such as an iPad®.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a personal animation kit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a digital stamping tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the digital stamping tool of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a digital collage creation kit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a digital transforming tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the digital transforming tool of FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a top view of an exemplary user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an exemplary user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is an exemplary computing device for executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a computing device executing an application, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 21 is an exemplary flow diagram depicting a method for generating a personalized digital animation, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

Embodiments of the invention include a personal animation kit for, among other things, animating personal photos within virtual scenes. The personal animation kit may include, in embodiments, a digital stylus, a digital stamper, a carrying case, and an application for execution by a computing device. A user can take a photo of a person, such as the user or another person, and animate the image using the personal animation kit. In embodiments, the application brings the static photo to life, as the photo may be enhanced with animation features such as jumping, running, doing flips or karate, and the like. The personal animation kit may be used to create animation movies featuring the animated image of a person. In some embodiments, the personal animation kit provides a background designing feature for designing a customized background. In other embodiments, the personal animation kit provides template backgrounds, such as a basketball court. The digital stamper may be used to generate additional animated images that a user creates or selects from a menu of included options, such as dribbling a basketball. Enhanced images created with the personal animation kit may be saved, emailed, or printed. The digital tools in the personal animation kit may be stored in a hard-shell storage case designed to clip onto a computing device, such as an iPad®.

Embodiments of the invention also include a digital collage creation kit for, among other things, enhancing or transforming photos into digital collages. The digital collage creation kit may include, in embodiments, a digital photo cutter, a digital stamper, a digital transforming tool, and a hard-shell carrying case. A digital photo may be uploaded into the application where the digital photo cutter may be used to “cut” away unwanted portions of the photo. In embodiments, the digital stamper then allows a user to add animated images and phrases to the image, while the digital transforming tool lets the user create photo morphing effects like stretching and melting. A user may generate a customized background to incorporate into the collage, or may select from a variety of template backgrounds provided in the application, such as a skateboarding park. A digital collage made with the kit may be displayed in a digital gallery, distributed by emailing, or shared by printing out the display screen. A user may also store the digital tools for the digital collage creation kit in a hard-shell storage case designed to clip onto a computing device, such as an iPad®.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, a personalized digital animation kit is provided. The personal animation kit includes an activation feature for a personal animation kit application, and at least one of the following digital input devices: a digital stylus; a digital clap board; and a digital stamper. In embodiments, the digital stylus, digital clap board, and digital stamper are configured to interact with a touch-screen surface of a computing device executing the personal animation kit application.

In further embodiments, a method of generating a personalized digital animation is provided. The method includes receiving, by a computing device having a touch-screen surface, an indication of a personal animation kit application. The method further includes executing the personal animation kit application to provide an animation environment; receiving, by the computing device, a captured user image for animation; receiving at least one input from at least one digital input tool, wherein the at least one digital input tool comprises at least one of a digital stamper, a digital stylus, and a digital clap board; assigning an armature to at least a portion of the captured user image in response to the received at least one input; assigning a silhouette corresponding to the assigned armature; extracting a cut-out portion of the captured user image corresponding to an area defined by the assigned silhouette; and animating the extracted cut-out portion of the captured user image in context of at least a portion of the digital animation environment.

In yet another embodiment, a personal animation kit may include one or more of the following digital input devices: a digital stamper, and a digital stylus. The personal animation kit may further include a personal animation kit application configured to generate an animation environment for display on a touch-screen surface of a computing device executing the personal animation kit application. Further, the personal animation kit application may be configured to: (1) receive an indication of a captured user image; (2) in response to a first user interaction with at least a portion of the animation environment, apply an armature to at least a portion of the captured user image; (3) in response to a second user interaction with at least a portion of the animation environment, apply a silhouette to a portion of the captured user image corresponding to the applied armature; and (4) generate an animated scene comprising the portion of the captured user image included in the silhouette.

With reference now to the figures, apparatus, methods, and systems for providing a personalized digital animation kit are described in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Various embodiments are described with respect to the figures, in which like elements are depicted with like reference numerals.

Referring initially to FIG. 18, an exemplary operating environment 10 in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented is described below to provide a general context for various aspects of the present invention. Exemplary operating environment 10 includes a computing device 12, which is but one example of a computing environment for use with the present invention. The computing device 12 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention, and should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one component nor any combination of components illustrated. As one skilled in the art would recognize, one or more of the components of operating environment 10 may be used to execute an application associated with embodiments of the invention.

Computing device 12 may include hand-held devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, more specialty computing devices, touch-pad computing devices, touch-screen computing devices, and the like. Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context of computer code or machine-useable instructions, including computer-useable or computer-executable instructions such as program modules, being executed by the computing device 12. The computing device 12 typically includes a variety of computer-readable media, which may be any available media that is accessible by the computing device 12, such as computer storage media that stores computer-executable instructions for executing by the computing device 12. In one embodiment, computing device 12 is a touch-screen device having a camera, such as an iPod Touch®, iPad®, and/or an iPhone® device provided by Apple® Inc.

As shown in the example of FIG. 18, the computing device 12 includes the following components: a memory 14, one or more processors 16, one or more presentation components 18, one or more input/output (I/O) ports 20, one or more I/O components 22, and an illustrative power supply 24. As will be understood, the components of exemplary computing device 12 may be used in connection with one or more embodiments of the invention. In embodiments, computing device 12 may include fewer components than those depicted in FIG. 18, or other components in addition to those depicted in FIG. 18. In one embodiment, the computing device 12 may execute a personalized digital animation kit application to provide a personalized digital animation environment, such as the animation environment 66 of FIG. 5.

The memory 14 includes computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory that may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. The computing device 12 also includes one or more processors 16 that read data from various entities such as the memory 14 or the I/O components 22. The presentation component(s) 18 present data indications to a user or other device, such as a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, and the like. The I/O ports 20 allow the computing device 12 to be logically coupled to other devices, while the I/O components 22 may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, and a controller, such as a stylus, a keyboard and a mouse, a natural user interface (NUI), and the like.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary personal animation kit 26 includes a hard-shell storage case 28, a digital stylus 30, a digital clap board 32, and a digital stamper 34. In one embodiment, the personal animation kit 26 also includes an application for execution by a computing device 36 having a touch-screen display 38. In embodiments, the touch-screen display 38 is a capacitive touch screen responsive to a change in capacitance and/or charge. In some embodiments of the personal animation kit 26, a digital clap board 32 may be used to indicate when to stop and start an animation. As shown in FIG. 1, a user may take a picture of a person (such as the user) to provide the full-body photo 40 displayed on the display screen 38. The full-body photo 40 is then manipulated according to embodiments of the invention to produce a personal animation scene. In embodiments, the digital stylus 30 is a one-point stylus for use with open-coloring on a background, such as a background presented on the display screen 38.

With reference to FIG. 2, a user interface 42 associated with the application of the personal animation kit 26 may include individual indicators for selection by a user, such as a “start creating” indicator 44, a “gallery” indicator 46, an “options” indicator 48, and a “more” indicator 50. As such, in some embodiments, the simplicity of a user interface generated upon executing the personal animation kit application of the personal animation kit 26 assists the user in quickly generating animated photos. In embodiments, based on utilizing one or more features of the personal animation kit 26, a personalized digital animation may be created with minimal user interaction.

As discussed above, embodiments of the personal animation kit 26 may include a digital stamper 34, which may be used to add additional enhancements and/or animated effects based on contacting the touch-screen display 38 of the computing device 36. In the example of FIGS. 3-4, a multiple touch-point digital stamper 52 has a top surface 54 and a bottom surface 56. When the bottom surface 56 is placed on the touch-screen of a computing device 36, one or more touch-points may contact the surface, such as stationary touch-points 58 and 60, and translating touch-point 62. In some embodiments, to determine which enhancements to generate based on contact with the digital stamper 52, the personal animation kit application is configured to identify a particular orientation of the translating touch-point 62 relative to the two other stationary touch points 58 and 60. The digital stamper 34 included in the personal animation kit 26 may include the features of the digital stamper 52 described with respect to FIGS. 3-4. In further embodiments, the bottom surface 56 of the digital stamper 52 may include any number of stationary and/or translating touch-points configured to interact with a capacitive touch-screen.

Turning now to the example of FIGS. 5-6, an animation environment 66 for use with the personal animation kit 26 displays the full-body photo 40 on the display screen 38. In embodiments, a user is prompted by the application associated with the personal animation kit 26 to take a picture of their full body and/or a portion of their full body. As shown in FIG. 5, a full-body photo 40 of a user may be displayed on the touch-screen display 38, with originally captured background items remaining behind the user in the photo of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates the way in which a user may apply a skeleton (i.e., apply “bones”) to the full-body photo 40 by applying an armature 68 at particular points on the full-body photo 40, such as by marking a series of joint indicators along the structure of the user's picture. In embodiments, the armature 68 indicates the personal animation kit application where to cut the full-body photo 40 for creating canned animations. Additionally, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the armature 68 is used to apply a mask and/or silhouette 70 around a perimeter of the full-body photo 40, which cuts a portion of the user image from the original background. In some embodiments, a user may adjust the distance between armature 68 and the edge of the silhouette 70. For example, silhouette 70 may be consistently applied to armature 68 within a threshold distance from the armature 68. In a further embodiment, a distance between the armature 68 and the silhouette 70 may be increased based on enlarging a size of the silhouette 70.

Accordingly, after receiving the selection and/or application of the armature 68, embodiments of the application apply the silhouette 70 to cut out a portion of the captured image (in this instance, a human image) from the original background, retaining as little of the original background space as possible around a perimeter of the captured, human image. In some embodiments, the captured image is any desired figure for animation, such as a dog or other animal. As shown in FIG. 7, an enhanced animation 72 may then be created using the cut-out portion of the full-body photo 40. For example, an animation background 76 may be selected for placing behind the cut-out portion of full-body photo 40, such as the three-dimensional dance floor in FIG. 7. In embodiments, based on selecting and/or applying an animation background 76 to the cut-out portion of the full-body photo 40, the original background of the user's original photo becomes replaced by the animation background 76. The animation background 76 may be a predetermined background, or may be a freely-drawn amount of color in a selected background template design and/or blank canvas. In further embodiments, the enhanced animation 72 is “enhanced” by stamping on animated effects with the digital stamper 34, such as stamping on googly eyes, lips, fire hair, super shoes, and other accessories to add to the animation background and/or to the cut-out portion of the full-body photo 40.

In additional embodiments of the invention, an animation sequence may be selected and/or activated to automatically animate the cut-out portion of the full-body photo 40, such as selecting a dancing scene on a dance floor, where the cut-out portion of the full-body photo 40 is automatically animated, as in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, an animation sequence may be executed for a predetermined amount of time, such as a five-second animation clip. In some embodiments, a user may save and/or share an animation sequence. For example, a user may save an animation sequence as a five-second video, which may then be uploaded to a social media website. In further embodiments, a user may save a creation made by using the personal animation kit 26 for use in additional animations. In yet another embodiment, as part of the digital personal animation kit application provided with the personal animation kit 26, a user may be able to purchase additional digital enhancements for the personal animation kit application (i.e., “in-app purchases”) that further enhance the user's experience.

In embodiments, the personal animation kit 26 includes a personal animation kit application that, upon execution by the computing device 36, is configured to provide animated personal photos within virtual scenes. In further embodiments, the personal animation kit 26 includes an activation feature for such a personal animation kit application. The activation feature may include an activation code and/or an activation indicator, such as a web page, website URL, or other indicator of a resource from which a user may access one or more features of the application. In some embodiments, user interaction with the activation feature enables and/or activates a personal animation kit application retrieved by using the activation feature, and/or a personal animation kit application associated with the activation feature. In further embodiments, a non-user-specific application, such as a Crayola ColorStudio HD™, is downloaded from an external source, and the specific features for the personal animation kit application may then be activated and/or “unlocked,” by an activation feature. In this instance, the activation feature may involve touching a component included in the user-specific kit to the touch-screen of the computing device 36 running the non-user-specific application. For example, a user may download ColorStudio HD™ to a computing device 36, and then touch a digital stamper included in a user-specific personal animation kit 26, such as the digital stamper 34 of FIG. 1, to the touch-screen of the computing device 36 in order to activate the personal animation kit application.

Upon enabling/activation, the personal animation kit application may be accessed, retrieved from, downloaded, and/or otherwise interacted with via a source separate from the personal animation kit 26. For example, the personal animation kit application may be accessed and/or downloaded from a website, a database, a data store, or any other external source that may provide applications. An example of an external source is the online iTunes® store.

Embodiments of the personal animation kit 26 further include an application that provides a first tier of options available to a user upon purchase of the personal animation kit 26, and a second tier of options available to the user upon “unlocking” a full mode of the personal animation kit 26. In one example, a user may purchase the personal animation kit 26, which may include an application that enables the user to access a “try me” mode of the product. The “try me” mode may allow, for example, a user to import only one photo and utilize a limited number of stamps and/or backgrounds, etc. In another example, the user may “unlock” a full mode of the purchased personal animation kit 26 to activate additional options such as access to additional backgrounds and stamps, the ability to import multiple photos, and other features of the personal animation kit 26 that may be limited and/or restricted based on which mode a user is executing. In one embodiment, a digital stamper 34 is used to unlock additional features of the personal animation kit 26. In other embodiments, the digital stamper 34, or another component included in the personal animation kit 26, may be used to activate and/or unlock a particular mode of the application, such as a limited mode or a full mode. In one embodiment, a particular user interaction screen associated with the personal animation kit application may be presented to a user for activation of the personal animation kit application and/or features. For example, additional enhancement options corresponding to the use of one or more of the digital tools may be enabled based on activation of the personal animation kit application.

In some embodiments of the invention, a personal animation kit may be used to automatically apply at least a portion of an armature to a selected image, for automatic identification of a particular portion of the captured image, application of a silhouette, and retrieval of the portion of the captured image within the silhouette for subsequent animation. In further embodiments, an armature having a predetermined human shape may be applied to a captured user image, such as a predetermined human armature that may be manually or automatically applied to a human body in a captured image, depicted in association with an animation environment. In one embodiment, one or more predetermined armature templates may be provided to a user for selection and application to a captured user image. As such, a user may identify the best-fitting armature that corresponds to the portion of the user image that the user desires to animate. In yet another embodiment, a personal animation kit application may be used to automatically identify a portion of the captured user image for assigning a best-fitting armature, from a set of one or more template armatures. In embodiments, the selected portion of a personal image may be automatically animated in response to selection and assignment of an armature and silhouette.

Referring next to FIG. 19, an exemplary animation environment 30 includes a computing device 36 with a touch-screen display 38 depicting one example of a minimized silhouette 70 applied to an armature 68. In embodiments, based on a reduction in space between the armature 68 and the surrounding silhouette 70, a cut-out portion 140 may be reduced. In other words, the space between armature 68 and silhouette 70 may be reduced, in some embodiments, based at least in part on user interaction with the touch-screen display 38. In one embodiment, an adjustment feature 132 is provided, having a first end 134 and a second end 136, with a slider 138 configured to maneuver with respect to the first end 134 and second end 136. Accordingly, as shown in the example of FIG. 19, a slider 138 shifted into a position closer to the first end 134 of the adjustment feature 132, corresponds to a reduction in the cut-out portion 140 based on a proximity of the silhouette 70 with respect to the armature 68. In embodiments, adjustment feature 132 and slider 138 are indications on the presented animation environment 130, generated for display on the touch-screen display 38 in response to executing the personal animation kit application.

As shown in FIG. 20, an animation environment 142 further depicts an example of adjusting a cut-out portion, such as cut-out portion 144 responsive to shifting a slider 138 closer to the second end 136 of adjustment feature 132. In embodiments, cut-out portion 144 of FIG. 20 corresponds to a decreased proximity between the silhouette 70 and the armature 68, while the cut-out portion 140 of FIG. 19 corresponds to an increased proximity between the silhouette 70 and the armature 68. In embodiments of the invention, the adjustment feature 132 may be used to grow or shrink the silhouette 70 with respect to an armature 68 based on manipulation of the slider 138.

Referring next to FIG. 21, an exemplary flow diagram 146 depicts a method for extracting a portion of a user's captured and/or selected image, for subsequent animation within an animation environment. In one embodiment, at block 148, an indication of a personal animation kit application is received. In one embodiment, an indication of a personal animation kit application is received upon retrieval, from a remote site, a copy and/or instance of an application for utilizing the personal animation kit. In another embodiment, an indication of a personal animation kit application includes scanning, using a camera of a computing device, a particular activation code corresponding to the personal animation kit application. At block 150, the personal animation kit application is used to identify a skeleton structure corresponding to a captured image. For example, the personal animation kit application may be used to identify and/or select an armature to apply to a portion of a user's captured image, such as a full-body photo of a user. In some embodiments, a portion of the armature (i.e., skeleton structure) corresponds to desired points of movement of the user image being animated. For example, the armature 68 assigned to full-body image 40 in FIG. 6 corresponds to natural and/or identifiable points of movement of the full-body image 40, such as the user's joints. As such, in some embodiments of the invention, a skeleton structure/armature may be identified based on a location of moveable joints of a particular image. In one embodiment, each joint of the armature 68 are assigned by a user, such that they correspond directly to each moveable joint of the user's captured image. In another embodiment, a template armature 68 may be used, to automatically identify which portions of the user's captured image correspond to a particular moveable feature of a template armature 68.

At block 152, an outline is assigned to the identified skeleton structure. For example, a silhouette may be assigned to an armature associated with a full-body photo of a user. In one embodiment, a silhouette and/or outline assigned to an armature and/or identified skeleton structure may be adjusted to increase or decrease a cut-out portion of a user image. For example, for animation of a user walking in a particular animation scene, the user may desire to closely cut out the user's image, minimizing the area between the full-body image and the silhouette. In another embodiment, a user may wish to include at least a portion of the original background of the photo surrounding the full-body image of the user. As such, the user may maximize the area between the full-body image and the silhouette border. As will be understood, while the cutting out of a full-body image is described herein, any selected portion of a user's captured image may be assigned an armature, associated with a silhouette, and extracted to provide a cut-out portion of the original image for use in an animation scene. As such, at block 154, a selected image is extracted corresponding to the assigned outline and/or silhouette, for use in a personal animation environment/scene that animates the cut-out portion (i.e., the extracted, selected image).

Turning now to FIG. 8, a digital collage creation kit 78 is depicted according to embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the digital collage creation kit 78 includes a hard-shell storage case 80, a digital photo cutter 31, a digital stamper 34, and a digital transforming tool 82. In one embodiment, the digital collage creation kit 78 also includes an application for execution by a computing device 84, such as a computing device 12 of FIG. 18, having a touch-screen display 86. In embodiments, the digital stamper 34 is used to add animated effects to the images displayed on the touch-screen display 86. Additionally, embodiments of the digital photo cutter 30 may include a one-point stylus for activating multiple different features, such as masking, applying photo filters, coloring, and the like. As discussed below, embodiments of the digital transforming tool 82 provide a two-point stylist that stretches photos. Accordingly, the digital transforming tool may produce a stretched image 90 of a user photo 88, as shown in the example of FIG. 8.

Embodiments of the digital collage creation kit 78 include an application that provides a first tier of options available to a user upon purchase of the digital collage creation kit 78, and a second tier of options available to the user upon “unlocking” a full mode of the digital collage creation kit 78. In one example, a user may purchase the digital collage creation kit 78 with an application that enables the user to access a “try me” mode of the product that allows a user to import only one photo and utilize a limited number of stamps and/or backgrounds, etc. In another example, the user may “unlock” a full mode of the purchased personal animation kit 26 to activate additional options such as access to additional backgrounds and stamps, the ability to import multiple photos, and other features of the digital collage creation kit 78 that may be limited and/or restricted based on which mode a user is executing. In one embodiment, a digital stamper 34 is used to unlock additional features of the digital collage creation kit 78.

As shown in FIG. 9, the application of the digital collage creation kit 78 may be executed to provide a user interface 92 with a variety of selectable indicators on the touch-screen display 86 of the computing device 84, such as the “start creating” indicator 94, the “gallery” indicator 96, the “options” indicator 98, and the “more” indicator 100. In embodiments, the core play pattern for the digital collage creation kit 78 is creating a collage using photos and provided elements, such as enhancements provided by the application. In one embodiment, a user is able to easily and quickly generate a digital collage via the user interface 92.

In manipulating photos in the digital collage creation environment 87, a digital transforming tool 82 may interact directly with the touch-screen display 86 to generate a variety of stretching, swirling, melting, morphing, blending, smearing, swiping, image twisting, color changing, pixelating, and/or smudging effects with regard to the digital content being altered on the touch-screen display 86.

With reference to FIGS. 10-11, the digital transforming tool 82 may include a top surface 102, a transforming edge 104, a bottom surface 106, and digital touch-points 107 and 108. As will be understood, the digital touch-points 107 and 108 are configured to be detected by a computing device 84 having a touch-screen display 86 when the digital touch-points 107 and 108 come into contact with the touch-screen display 86. In embodiments, the digital touch-points 107 and 108 of the digital transforming tool 82 contact the touch-screen display 86, and the digital transforming tool 82 is then dragged across the touch-screen display 86, such that the digital touch-points 107 and 108 remain in contact with the touch-screen display 86 and are dragged across the touch-screen display 86, to produce one or more digital transformation effects. In some embodiments, the digital transforming tool 82 may be used to apply sound recording stamps to an image, such as stamping an image of lips that record and play back recorded sounds.

In FIG. 12, a creation environment 110 includes a computing device 112 having a touch-screen display 114, and a user photograph 116 for manipulation by various features of the digital collage creation kit 78. In embodiments, the user can take a picture in the application, such as by using a camera associated with the computing device 112. In other embodiments, the user may import a photo from the computing device 112 storage/memory. As shown in FIG. 13, the user may then extract a portion of the user photograph 116 for manipulation using the digital collage creation kit 78. In embodiments, the user can easily cut out the area of the photo the user wishes to use in the digital collage, such as by using the digital photo cutter 31 to produce a cut-out edge 118. Generally, “cutting out” refers to extracting at least a portion of a desired image. For example, a user may produce a cut-out edge 118 by freehand drawing.

Having generated a cut-out edge 118 around the desired portion of the user photograph 116, the user may also eliminate unwanted portions of the background behind the user's image from the collage, as shown in FIG. 14. As such, having removed the remainder of the user photograph 116 (that is included in FIG. 13) and the remainder of the background (that is included in FIG. 14), a user can further customize the digital photo collage using selected backgrounds, additional photos, stamps applied using the digital stamper 34, and other enhancements using the digital collage creation kit 78. In FIG. 15, the user has applied a background to the touch-screen display 114, manipulated the location of the remaining portion of user photograph 116, and added additional digital enhancements 120.

With reference now to FIG. 16, an exemplary user interface 122 displayed on the touch-screen display 114 of the computing device 112 includes a plurality of menu items 126 and a plurality of coloring controls 124. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, a drawing enhancement 128 is added to the digital collage of FIG. 15, based on a user selecting one or more of the features from the menu items 126 and/or coloring controls 124.

The following U.S. patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/788,371 (Attorney Docket Number HALC.178959), entitled “Digital Coloring Tools Kit with Panoramic View and Create-to-Destroy Interactive Features” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/788,381 (Attorney Docket Number HALC 0.178960), entitled “Digital Fashion Portfolio and Green Screen Animation Kit.”

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A personal animation kit comprising: an activation feature for a personal animation kit application; and at least one of the following digital input devices: (1) a digital stylus; (2) a digital clap board; and (3) a digital stamper; wherein the digital stylus, digital clap board, and digital stamper are configured to interact with a touch-screen surface of a computing device executing the personal animation kit application.
 2. The personal animation kit of claim 1, wherein upon executing the personal animation kit application by the computing device, the personal animation kit application is configured to generate an animation environment for display in associated with the touch-screen surface of the computing device, wherein the animation environment is configured to receive a captured user image.
 3. The personal animation kit of claim 2, wherein a personal animation segment is created based on input received from one or more of the digital stylus, the digital clap board, and the digital stamper, wherein the input received from the one or more of the digital stylus, the digital clap board, and the digital stamper corresponds to at least a portion of the captured user image.
 4. The personal animation kit of claim 2, wherein the digital stylus comprises a capacitive tip configured to interact with a touch-screen surface of a computing device.
 5. The personal animation kit of claim 4, wherein in response to contact of the digital stylus with at least a portion of the touch-screen surface corresponding to a particular portion of the animation environment, an armature is assigned to at least a portion of a captured user image.
 6. The personal animation kit of claim 5, wherein in response to contact of the digital stylus with at least a portion of the touch-screen surface corresponding to a particular portion of the animation environment, a silhouette corresponding to the armature is assigned to the at least a portion of the captured user image.
 7. The personal animation kit of claim 2, wherein the digital clap board comprises at least once conductive touch-point for interaction at least a portion of the animation environment presented in associated with the touch-screen surface of a computing device.
 8. The personal animation kit of claim 2, wherein the digital stamper comprises a plurality of touch-points configured to interact with the touch-screen surface of the computing device.
 9. The personal animation kit of claim 8, wherein at least one additional feature of the personal animation kit application is activated in response to detection of presence of the digital stamper in association with a particular portion of the animation environment.
 10. The personal animation kit of claim 8, wherein at least one digital enhancement is added to the animation environment in response to contact of the digital stamper with the touch-screen surface.
 11. A method of generating a personalized digital animation, wherein the method comprises: receiving, by a computing device having a touch-screen surface, an indication of a personal animation kit application; executing the personal animation kit application to provide an animation environment; receiving, by the computing device, a captured user image for animation; receiving at least one input from at least one digital input tool, wherein the at least one digital input tool comprises at least one of a digital stamper, a digital stylus, and a digital clap board; assigning an armature to at least a portion of the captured user image in response to the received at least one input; assigning a silhouette corresponding to the assigned armature; extracting a cut-out portion of the captured user image corresponding to an area defined by the assigned silhouette; and animating the extracted cut-out portion of the captured user image in context of at least a portion of the digital animation environment.
 12. A personal animation kit comprising: one or more of the following digital input devices: (1) a digital stamper; and (2) a digital stylus; and a personal animation kit application configured to generate an animation environment for display on a touch-screen surface of a computing device executing the personal animation kit application, wherein the personal animation kit application is configured to: (1) receive an indication of a captured user image; (2) in response to a first user interaction with at least a portion of the animation environment, apply an armature to at least a portion of the captured user image; (3) in response to a second user interaction with at least a portion of the animation environment, apply a silhouette to a portion of the captured user image corresponding to the applied armature; and (4) generate an animated scene comprising the portion of the captured user image included in the silhouette.
 13. The personal animation kit of claim 12, wherein the digital stamper comprises a plurality of touch-points configured to interact with the touch-screen surface of the computing device, wherein at least one additional feature of the personal animation kit application is activated in response to manipulation of the digital stamper.
 14. The personal animation kit of claim 13, wherein manipulation of the digital stamper comprises contacting the digital stamper with the touch-screen surface of the computing device a particular portion of the animation environment.
 15. The personal animation kit of claim 12, wherein receiving an indication of a captured user image comprises receiving, by the computing device executing the personal animation kit application, a full-body photo of a user.
 16. The personal animation kit of claim 12, wherein applying an armature to at least a portion of the captured user image in response to a first user interaction with at least a portion of the animation environment comprises receiving an indication of an armature corresponding to the captured user image.
 17. The personal animation kit of claim 16, wherein receiving an indication of an armature corresponding to the captured user image comprises receiving an input from one or more of a digital stylus and a digital stamper indicating at least one joint associated with the captured user image.
 18. The personal animation kit of claim 12, wherein applying an armature to at least a portion of the captured user image in response to a first user interaction with at least a portion of the animation environment comprises automatically assigning an armature corresponding to the captured user image.
 19. The personal animation kit of claim 12, wherein applying a silhouette to a portion of the captured user image corresponding to the applied armature in response to a second user interaction with at least a portion of the animation environment comprises applying a silhouette to the portion of the captured user image at a threshold distance from the applied armature.
 20. The personal animation kit of claim 12, wherein generating an animated scene comprising the portion of the captured user image included in the silhouette comprises incorporating the portion of the captured user image included in the silhouette as part of a selected animation background. 